CRITIC REVIEWS
Stephen Tanzer
(14% alcohol; 6.2 g/l acidity; 3.7 pH): Bright ruby-red. Very expressive, complex aromas of plum, currant, cherry and black olive, complemented by a slightly candied quality. Fat, pliant and deep on the palate, with the dense black fruit flavors given lovely definition by well-integrated acidity and lightly salty minerality. This beautifully balanced wine has the mid-palate stuffing to support its fine-grained tannins on the rising finish. A very suave vintage.
Jay Miller
The 2008 Nicolas Catena Zapata is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec, and the balance Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc that spent 24 months in 100% new French oak followed by 24 months in bottle prior to release. It delivers an inviting bouquet of wood smoke, pencil lead, espresso, incense, lavender, black currant, and black cherry. This sets the stage for a full-bodied, powerful yet elegant, beautifully proportioned effort with great depth and volume. It conceals plenty of structure and will effortlessly evolve for 6-8 years, drinking well through 2028, if not longer.

